THE first phase of a project to refurbish five children's play areas in Darlington has been completed.

The three play areas in Heighington, Hurworth, and Sadberge, have been revamped at a cost of £15,000 each by Darlington Borough Council. New play equipment has also been installed.

Work is due to start soon on the refurbishment of the play areas at Eastmount Road and at the picnic site at Broken Scar.

Work costing £15,000 is to be carried out at Eastmount Road. Safety fencing will be erected, the swings upgraded and new play equipment installed.

The footpath will be improved to allow wheelchair access and new seats will be provided.

At least £15,000 will be spent on revamping the Broken Scar play area. New adventure trail equipment will be provided for youngsters.

Lee Vasey, the borough council's cabinet member for leisure services, said: "Residents tell us that children's play areas are a priority for them so we will continue to invest in the refurbishment of children's play areas across the borough.

"Our priority is to install modern equipment so that families can enjoy their leisure time in a safe environment."

The refurbishment is the most recent work in the council's on-going programme of maintaining and improving play areas.

Earlier this year, play areas at Eastbourne Park and Alderman Crooks Park were improved and a new children's play area was built at North Lodge Park.

Closed circuit television cameras have been installed to improve security at all three play areas.

Coun Vasey said: "It is sad that often we have to repair and replace play equipment that is damaged as a result of vandalism, but the at least the secutiy cameras will be helping us to successfully combat the vandals."